Science and Conservation

For our programs to be most efficient, we target high priority landscapes. Our science program identifies habitats and landscapes for conservation based on importance to waterfowl, threats and other factors. We recognize that waterfowl and their habitat bring many benefits to society. Our research seeks to better understand these linkages and focuses on;

• waterfowl distributions
• population trends
• habitat distribution
• hydrology and wetland ecology
• breeding ecology
• climate change
• effects of industry practices

DUC science staff are part of conservation delivery, providing support beyond research projects. They work with regional, national and international conservation committees to translate and share knowledge. Our scientists help complete the process of gathering, sharing and applying new information to conservation challenges.

See more information on boreal science projects completed by DUC since 2010.

Refining habitat objectives through spatial planning

DUC’s goal is to maintain waterfowl populations at levels identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. To do this in the boreal forest, we estimate we require at least 660 million acres of waterfowl habitat. But this is a large amount of land to cover so we need to determine where we get the best outcomes for our investments by prioritizing where we work. By developing a better understanding of how ducks, threats and opportunities are distributed across the landscape, we can more precisely apply conservation.

Strengthening the planning assumptions and evaluating our conservation work

DUC’s planning assumptions are the foundation for our conservation actions, particularly sustainable land use. The accuracy of these assumptions is another key to our conservation programs being successful. A core objective is to ensure we target the most important human activities limiting waterfowl. That means testing our key planning assumptions, including assessing relationships between human activities and both waterfowl populations and their habitats. We then incorporate information into planning tools that support informed decision-making.

Our scientists help distil and translate scientific information to assist program development. We then evaluate programs to ensure intended outcomes will be achieved. That is part of our dedication to ensuring activities we promote truly avoid or mitigate any negative effects of human activities.

Linking ecosystem services to waterfowl habitat conservation

Ecosystem services from boreal waterfowl habitats provide extensive benefits to society beyond supporting waterfowl populations. The objective of this priority is to better understand those linkages and thereby demonstrate the many ways that DUC goals and accomplishments benefit society. We want to highlight common ground for shared vision and action, helping achieve benefits for the environment and society.

Understand how climate change influences boreal waterfowl habitat conservation over the short and long term

Mounting evidence indicates that climate change is altering the boreal forest. We are in the early stages of understanding how boreal waterfowl habitat may be impacted under various climate change scenarios and what that impact might mean for targeting conservation delivery. Such knowledge better positions DUC and others to adapt, ensuring decisions today are still relevant tomorrow.